Principles of Physics: Electromagnetism, Circuits, Waves, and Ray Optics

Harvard Summer School

PHYS S-1B

Section 1

CRN 35735

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This course is an introduction to electromagnetism, wave optics, and ray optics. Topics covered include electrostatics, circuits, magnetism, diffraction, interference, and image formation via reflection and refraction. This course has a laboratory component and fulfills one of two semesters of physics for entrance to medical school.

Credits: 4

Term

Summer Term 2026

Part of Term

Full Term

Format

On Campus

Credit Status

Undergraduate

Section Status

Open

Instructor Info

Timothy W. Milbourne, PhD

Upper School Science Teacher, Moses Brown School

Meeting Info

TTh 12:00pm - 3:00pm (6/22 - 8/7)

Participation Option: On Campus

Deadlines

Last day to register:

Additional Time Commitments

Required labs and sections to be arranged.

Prerequisites

Strong knowledge of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry is required. This is not a calculus-based course; familiarity with differential calculus is helpful but not necessary. Background in mechanics at the level of PHYS S-1a is also helpful but not necessary.

Notes

Open to admitted Secondary School Program students by petition. Harvard College students: This course is eligible for degree credit, but see important policy information.

Tuition

All Sections of this Course

CRN	Section #	Participation Option(s)	Instructor	Section Status	Meets	Term Dates
35735	1	On Campus	Timothy Milbourne	Open	TTh 12:00pm - 3:00pm	Jun 22 to Aug 7

This Course May Contribute to:

Bachelor’s Degree Program